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Discover Personal Loans 2017 Survey: Taking out a Personal Loan Allowed a Majority of People to Accomplish Financial Goals

A major medical expense was chosen as the most likely reason for
using a personal loan

RIVERWOODS, lll.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
According to a recent 2017 survey by Discover Personal Loans, 68 percent
of those who have taken out a personal loan said it helped them
accomplish their financial goals. Additionally, 70 percent of people
said that taking out a personal loan made them feel financially
responsible.

When asked, the two most important benefits of a personal loan were
lower interest rates and quick distribution of funds. Twenty-two percent
selected lower interest rates compared to other borrowing options and 21
percent said the quick turnaround of funds. Other benefits included no
collateral required, fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments.

Ways to Use a Personal Loan

More than one-third, 38 percent, of people surveyed have taken out a
personal loan in the past. Out of all respondents, 26 percent cited a
major medical expense as the most popular potential use for a personal
loan, followed by 22 percent saying debt consolidation, and 13 percent
using it to fund a small business.

“Personal loans can be used in a number of different ways to help people
save money and reach their financial goals. For example, more than half
the people surveyed have less than $5,000 in savings to cover unexpected
or emergency expenses,” said Dan Matysik, vice president of Discover
Personal Loans. “A personal loan can be a smart financial tool to cover
those costs.”

Interest Rates Are Top-of-Mind

People consider several factors when deciding on a personal loan.
According to the survey, 43 percent of respondents said learning their
interest rate would be most helpful before applying for a personal loan,
followed by 16 percent saying repayment terms and 15 percent interested
in knowing the monthly repayment amount.

Among those who have already taken out a personal loan in the past,
knowing the interest rate was the most important factor when they picked
their personal loan lender, which was consistent across all age groups.

Outside of interest rate, the responses varied by age. Respondents
between the ages of 23 and 29 selected fees (19 percent) or the loan
amount (18 percent), as their most important factor when they picked a
personal loan lender.

Comparatively, these items were not as important among respondents who
are 65 and older, with only 12 percent considering fees or the loan
amount to be the most important factor.

“The bottom line is when choosing a personal loan, all borrowers should
consider the cost of credit, which includes both interest rates and
fees. Discover Personal Loans offers competitive loans – with fixed
interest rates and no origination fees – and useful resources like the
Check Your Rate tool, which lets potential borrowers find out their
interest rate before applying. This allows them to better understand the
total estimated cost of the loan,” said Matysik.

Borrowers Ultimately Want Trust

The trustworthiness of a lender is also an important consideration.
Outside of the interest rate, according to those who have taken out a
personal loan in the past, 18 percent selected trustworthiness as the
most important factor when choosing a lender.

“Trust in your lender is key when shopping for a personal loan. The
first step to building that trust is education and there are multiple,
credible sources where borrowers can gather information,” said Jeff
Rose, founder of Good Financial Cents and partner of Discover Personal
Loans. “You can get information from financial blogs or the lenders
themselves. For example, Discover Personal Loans offers a variety of
online, educational resources and they provide customer service seven
days a week to answer questions and help guide customers through the
loan process.”

About the Survey

The national survey of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Discover
Personal Loans and conducted by Rasmussen Reports, an independent survey
research firm (http://www.rasmussenreports.com),
June 28-30, 2017. The margin of sampling error was+/- 2 percentage
points with a 95% level of confidence.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment
services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S.
financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become
one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues
the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private
student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings
accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking
business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant
and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit
networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with
acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more
information, visit www.discover.com/company.